Finding food in the hunger season: A mixed methods approach to understanding wild plant foods in relation to food security and dietary diversity in southeastern Madagascar

Abstract

In many rural farming societies, wild plant foods (WPFs) continue to play an important role in everyday diets as well as in coping with hunger during food shortages. However, WPF collection and consumption may pose challenges to biodiversity conservation efforts (e.g., in protected areas), and some “famine foods,” foods not typically eaten under normal conditions, may have deleterious health impacts. Using data from a cross-sectional survey of 328 smallholder farmers and fisherfolk living in 15 villages surrounding Manombo Special Reserve on the southeastern coast of Madagascar, we examine the relationship between food security, dietary diversity, and consumption of WPFs, specifically giant aquatic arrowhead or via (Typhonodorum lindleyanum) and Polynesian arrowroot or tavolo (Tacca leontopetaloides), during the region's main lean season. We complement survey findings with focus group interviews to document traditional ecological knowledge and perceptions of these WPFs, including how tavolo and via are rendered edible, as well as human health effects from collecting, preparing, and eating them. Using multilevel logistic regression modeling, we found that consumption of these WPFs were significantly associated with inadequate nutrition among farmers. Wealthier households were less likely to consume these WPFs as a coping strategy during food insecure periods, while larger and more food insecure households were more likely to consume them. These findings reaffirm the importance of access to natural areas and support the design of protected area conservation strategies that honor local foodways and consider WPFs that serve as food safety nets for more vulnerable populations.

Wild edible yams from Madagascar: New insights into nutritional composition support their use for food security and conservation

“…Many studies on wild edible plant species show that they contain a considerable percentage of minerals, ranging from 2.48% to 6.36% (Afiukwa et al., 2013 ; Oko & Famurewa, 2015 ; Shajeela et al., 2011 ), which is comparable to the observations in our study. These findings, therefore, further support other research that shows reduced access to wild foods can negatively affect food security and nutrition, specifically micronutrient consumption (Moore et al., 2022 ).…”

“…For example, local use of wild edible yams may depend on taste or personal preferences, local needs, availability, market prices, location, and quantities harvested (Andriamparany et al, 2014) among other complexities, as has been discussed previously (Moore et al, 2022). In this study, the wild edible yams ana- (Moore et al, 2022). Potential strategies to ameliorate the effects of climate change on food security and dietary diversity include creating more diverse and climate-resilient agricultural production systems in addition to improved knowledge and cultivation of naturally stress-resistant plants, aligned with methods to maintain the genetic diversity of crops (Herrera et al, 2021;Ulian et al, 2020).…”

“…Another approach to address these challenges is to promote the cultivation of nutrient-dense indigenous vegetables, rather than more recently introduced vegetables that may not be adapted to local growing conditions or be culturally suitable; for example, nonprofit organizations in Madagascar have aided the cultivation of indigenous yams (Moore et al, 2022). Furthermore, community involvement in conservation projects has greater potential to achieve positive outcomes for both biodiversity conservation and food security (Moore et al, 2022).…”

Food Security from the Forest: The Case of the Commodification of Baobab Fruit (Adansonia digitata L.) in Boundou Region, Senegal

“…However, we find that the majority of the population of Boundou now depends on the gathering and processing of baobab fruits from woodlands. Unlike many other protected areas, where access to collecting wild plants or fruits within the protected areas is restricted or limited [89], the people of Boundou enjoy free access to gather and collect baobab fruits within the protected areas without restrictions. This inclusive approach fosters a unique environment where local residents can freely benefit from the nutritious resources available, setting the Boundou region apart from other protected areas.…”

Provisioning services decline for both people and Critically Endangered wildlife in a rainforest transformation landscape

“…Provisioning ecosystem services in Madagascar are particularly important, as many Malagasy rely on natural resources, from widespread consumption of endemic wildlife (Borgerson et al, 2022) to the use of non-cultivated plants for a variety of subsistence purposes (e.g. Borgerson, Johnson, et al, 2018;Borgerson, Randrianasolo, et al, 2019;Borgerson, Vonona, et al, 2018;Fedele et al, 2011;Moore et al, 2022;Raveloaritiana et al, 2023;Razafindraibe et al, 2013;Reuter et al, 2018).…”